2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

Drivers have long turned to the hatchback to balance utility and function with pure drivability. With its 2016 updates, Volkswagen has enhanced the best-of-both-worlds, the 2016 Golf SportWagen, with a host of updates that make it a versatile choice for families, enthusiasts, and everyone in between.

What is the Golf SportWagen?

The Golf SportWagen, introduced in 2015, is VW’s answer to the question: what would happen if we took everything great about the Golf and packed it with cargo space?

It’s a deceptively simple concept, but critics and drivers alike loved the result. The SportWagen, designed to replace the previous popular Jetta SportWagen is a purpose built wagon intended to be an ideal alternative to compact SUVs. The 2016 SportWagen is perfect for the adventurous family looking maximize space while still retaining the fun, fuel efficient, feel of the Volkswagen wagon.

Since its release, the VW Golf SportWagen has racked up positive reviews and currently ranks first among all nine currently competing wagon models, beating out competitors like the Subaru Outback, the Volvo XC70, and the Ford C-Max Hybrid & Energi.

What’s new in the 2016 VW Golf SportWagen?

From it’s debut on, the VW Golf SportWagen has been a perfect people mover. Ideal for taking the dogs or the family on day trips through Surrey, the SportWagen offers more than enough cargo space for any adventure. With 2016 came the introduction of the Limited Edition trim for the VW Golf SportWagen, providing your family with the ability to go further and see more with greater comfort than ever before. The new front wheel drive trim for the SportWagon retains the same agility, top notch cabin, and spacious cargo area, but provides owners with access to a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, keyless access, and a push-button start. Designed as a value model, the Limited Edition trim is placed firmly between the entry level S trim and the SE trim, and it comes with a significant amount of goodies– including heated window washer nozzles, chrome window trim styling, and even heatable leatherette seats.

While there has not been a diesel mode announced for the SportWagon, there are a few other things to look forward to for 2016. For one, Volkswagen has updated the existing infotainment system with the new Android auto, Apple CarPlay,and MirrorLink, as well as added a usb port and rearview camera as standard features for all trims. Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration have also been announced as becoming standard features for the 2016 VW SportWagen.

Introducing the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Alltrack

One of the most exciting things to be announced in 2016 for the SportWagen is the release of information about an all new version of the modern station wagon — the Golf SportWagen Alltrack. From what has been released, we know that this will be an all-wheel drive version of the SportWagen, and it will also receive a suspension that has been lifted a full inch compared to the 2016 model, providing enough ground clearance to get you through even the toughest of terrains. The new Alltrack, set to be released at the end of 2016 for the 2017 model year, will also feature tougher, more rugged body styling, as well as a Driving mode selector with the option to drop into ‘off-road mode’. The off-road mode will adjust the vehicle’s traction control to match off-road terrain, as well as utilize hill descent control. The Driving Mode selector will provide drivers with information about the vehicle’s heading, steering angle, and altitude. The Alltrack will, for now, still deliver the same 170-horsepower turbocharged engine with and 199 lb-ft of torque that makes the vehicle so much fun to drive.

The Safest Hatchback Out There (that’s still fun to drive)

The SportWagen, despite being essentially a traditional station wagon, is an interesting beast. It’s the sum total of all the good parts of the VW Golf, but with the added utility and capacity of a wagon. The combination, regardless of how unusual it may be, has led to an incredible driving machine. Not only does the 170 horsepower provide more than enough kick to provide the car with a brilliant driving experience, but the SportWagen retains the agility that the traditional Golf has always had– and it does so without making any sacrifices. The SportWagen still receives an average of 9.4L/100km to 7.59L/100km when driving in the city, and 6.72L/100km to 5.6L/100km on the highway. Even the automatic transmission provides 9.41L/100km city and 6.72L/100km highway, which is excellent for its class.

VW Front Assist system

Fun, spacious, and efficient aren’t the only things making the SportWagen such an incredible car. The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has also been award with the 2015 Top Safety Pick + from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. With a great safety rating usually comes at the cost of great innovation, and the SportWagen is no different. The 2016 wagon is chalked full of safety features that have turned the SportWagen into a cutting edge piece of technology. Drivers and passengers should feel safe knowing that protecting them from harm is about a dozen safety systems, including the new Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking System. Both of these systems work through using radar sensors and a camera to alert the driver about a potential front end collision, as well as autonomously applying the brakes and additional brake pressure as needed to prevent an accident before it occurs. Further adding to occupant safety in the SportWagen are optional systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warnings, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert, which are all available as a driver assistance package.

VW Rear Alert system

A Class Above Other Interiors

Something the Golf SportWagen boasts over other wagons is its interior. Standard features like satellite radio, rear-view camera, and a touch-screen interface place the Golf in the top of its class, but it’s the high-end build quality that truly sets this mighty wagon apart. Owners will love the supple but sturdy materials. Both enthusiasts and commuters can appreciate the contoured seats and easy-to-use interface, each of which make all-day driving a delight

The Wagon with the Most Cargo Space

The SportWagen also provides the largest cargo capacity in the class, and it even has more space than some competing compact SUVs. Rear passengers don’t have anything to fear, either. The SportWagen provides the same amount of legroom as the previous years regular 4 door Golf. While the interior is standard with cloth upholstery, prospective owners can upgrade to the Limited Edition or the SEL Trim to receive leatherette seats. Finally, for the audiophile in the family, the SportWagen also has an option to upgrade to the premium Fender audio system, which is among the highest quality speaker systems available for the the cost.

In particular, when updating the SportWagen for 2016, Volkswagen put a particular focus into updating the previously clunky infotainment system. The system has been redesigned to be smoother, more intuitive, and more connected than previous models. In fact, with this redesign, Volkswagen has become one of the first carmakers to support all three available car system; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, allowing owners significantly greater smartphone connectivity than ever before. Volkswagen’s plan is to turn this new infotainment system into the foundation for the upcoming generation of Volkswagen’s ‘Car-Net’ connected vehicle services, which is a subscription that provides owners with extra security features, remote vehicle access, advanced telematics, and even enhanced navigation.

Test Drive the New Golf SportWagen Today!

The new Golf SportWagen is among one of the most exciting models for the 2016 year. With plenty of space, pep, and style, the Golf SportWagen is ideal for hauling the family around, or just going on a nice relaxing day trip. Are you interested in learning more? White Rock VW is here to answer any questions that come up. Come test drive the Golf SportWagen today and see what you’re missing out on! Simply give us a call at 604-536-7212. Our experts are happy to answer any questions you may have.